Importing Vehicles to Romania: Essential Steps

Published on May 2, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In an increasingly globalized world, importing vehicles into Romania has become a common but complex process that requires a good understanding of the necessary steps to successfully complete this operation.

Whether you are an individual or a professional in the automotive industry, it is essential to know the administrative procedures, costs, and specific regulations to ensure compliant transport.

This article will guide you through the specifics of the Romanian market, providing you with key information to navigate this process effectively and avoid common pitfalls when importing vehicles into the country.

Understanding Customs Formalities for Importing a Car into Romania

Key Steps to Understanding Customs Formalities When Importing a Car into Romania

List of Main Types of Vehicles Concerned

• New or used passenger cars
• Light commercial vehicles
• Motorcycles and scooters (similar rules but specific taxes)
• Exceptions/exemptions: electric vehicles (often partially or fully exempt from the environmental tax), classic cars (collector) – specific conditions to verify with authorities.

Required Documentation

• European Certificate of Conformity (COC)
• Proof of purchase/original invoice
• Foreign registration certificate (“registration card” from the country of origin)
• ID of the owner/importer
• Proof of residence in Romania
• Technical report on the vehicle’s condition or last valid technical inspection (if available; otherwise, mandatory Romanian technical inspection – ITP)

Document	Detail/Note
Certificate of Conformity	Mandatory to register the vehicle
Proof of Purchase	Invoice, notarized deed, or contract
Foreign Registration Certificate	To be submitted when filing the application
Technical Inspection	Valid if recent and recognized; otherwise, Romanian ITP
Romanian Auto Insurance	Mandatory before registration

Applicable Import Taxes

List of main taxes:

• VAT 19% on the customs value of the vehicle (for non-EU imports, or if purchased without VAT from a European professional).
  • Vehicle purchased VAT-inclusive in another EU country by an individual = no additional VAT.
  • Purchase without VAT by a professional = VAT payment to ANAF.
• Environmental tax (“Timbrul de Mediu”) calculated based on CO₂ emissions, Euro standard, and age.
  • Full/partial exemption possible for certain clean/new/electric vehicles.
• Customs duties (~10% of declared value) only for non-EU imports.

Additional list:

• Various administrative fees: first registration (~60–100 lei), temporary/permanent license plates.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Purchase and collect original documents from the seller.
2. Transport to Romania with transit insurance/temporary plate if necessary.
3. Customs clearance upon entry into Romanian territory:
   • Present certificate of conformity, invoice, foreign registration card,
   • Pay any duties + obtain customs clearance certificate,
   • Competent authority: Direcția Generală a Vămilor (Customs).
4. Pay local taxes at ANAF:
   • Calculate and pay VAT + environmental tax,
   • Obtain necessary supporting documents for the administrative file,
5. Take out mandatory local auto insurance before any driving,
6. Pass the Romanian periodic technical inspection (“ITP”) at an authorized center if the one from the country of origin is not recognized,
7. Final registration with DRPCIV:
   • Submit complete file including all previous supporting documents,
   • Obtain Romanian registration certificate + permanent license plates,

Step	Authority/Resource
Customs Clearance	Romanian Customs / Direcția Generală a Vămilor
Tax Payment	ANAF
Insurance	Licensed local company
Technical Inspection	Authorized ITP Center
Registration	DRPCIV

Typical Timeframes for Each Formality

• Customs clearance & declaration: approximately 1 business day;
• Tax payment & obtaining fiscal receipts: 1–3 days;
• ITP technical inspection: appointment within a few days; immediate issuance after successful inspection;
• DRPCIV registration: file submission then processing within 5–10 business days depending on the region;

Useful Services/Resources to Facilitate the Process

• Specialized agencies/auto importers managing the turnkey process;
• ANAF/DRPCIV digital platforms allowing pre-filling of files/appointments;
• Specialized tax advisors/prior eligibility check for exemptions;

Key Takeaways

For a smooth process: systematically check the validity/completeness of foreign documents before shipping to Romania and contact local authorities as soon as possible to avoid any delays due to missing or non-compliant documents.

Legal framework subject to change — regularly refer to official websites of Romanian Customs, ANAF, and DRPCIV for regulatory updates

Evaluating Circulation Taxes for Imported Vehicles in Romania

Types of Taxes Applicable to Imported Vehicles in Romania

• Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • The standard rate is 19% of the vehicle’s purchase price.
  • Applicable mainly for new vehicles or used vehicles imported from non-EU countries.
  • For used vehicles already in use for more than 6 months or with more than 6,000 km, VAT may have already been paid in the EU country of origin, avoiding double taxation.
• Customs Duties
  • No customs duties for vehicles imported from a European Union member state.
  • For vehicles from third countries (non-EU), a customs duty applies, generally around 10% of the vehicle’s value.
• Environmental Tax / “Timbrul de Mediu”
  • Tax linked to registration, calculated mainly based on CO₂ emissions, Euro standard, engine displacement, and vehicle age.
  • This tax aims to discourage the import of old and polluting vehicles.
  • Some very recent or low-emission vehicles may benefit from exemptions or reductions.
• Registration Fees
  • Fixed fees, generally between 60 and 100 lei for the first registration.

Calculation of Main Taxes

Type of Tax	Calculation / Main Criterion	Examples/Notes
VAT	19% of purchase price	Applies mainly for new or non-EU used vehicles
Customs Duty	Approximately 10% of vehicle value	Only for non-EU imports
Environmental Tax	Formula: A × B × (100 – C) / 100	A = CO₂ (g/km), B = specific tax €/g, C = depreciation based on age
Registration Fee	Fixed amount (60–100 lei)	For all imported vehicles

Factors Influencing the Amount of Taxes

• Vehicle Age: The older the vehicle, the more depreciation is considered in the environmental tax calculation, but the Euro standard is also less favorable.
• Engine Displacement: High displacement can increase the environmental tax.
• CO₂ Emissions: High-emission vehicles pay a higher tax.

Differences Based on Country of Origin

Vehicle Origin	VAT	Customs Duties	Other Fees
EU	19% (if new)	None	Environmental tax, registration
Non-EU	19%	Approximately 10%	Environmental tax, registration

Examples of Estimated Costs

Vehicle Type	Year	Displacement	CO₂ (g/km)	Environmental Tax	VAT (if applicable)	Customs Duty	Estimated Total (excluding purchase price)
Gasoline city car, Euro 5, 5 years, 1200 cc	2019	1200	110	~€200	€0	€0	~€260
Diesel SUV, Euro 4, 10 years, 2000 cc	2014	2000	170	~€700	€0	€0	~€760
New sedan, non-EU, 1500 cc, 130 g/km	2025	1500	130	~€100	19% of price	10% of price	Depends on value

These amounts are indicative and may vary based on fiscal or regulatory updates.

Practical Tips for Individual Importers and Businesses

• Always check if the vehicle meets the Euro standards in force in Romania: very old or highly polluting vehicles may be subject to very high taxes or banned from registration.
• For businesses, it may be more advantageous to import new vehicles benefiting from recoverable VAT.
• Keep all proof of payment of taxes and fees for the registration procedure.
• Regularly check the official simulators provided by ANAF (Romanian National Tax Administration Agency) to estimate the taxes to be paid.
• Allow time for administrative procedures: customs clearance, tax payment, Romanian technical inspection (ITP), mandatory insurance.

Useful Resources (for estimating and paying taxes)

• https://www.anaf.ro/
• https://www.customs.ro/
• https://www.rarom.ro/

Important Note
Tax regulations change frequently: it is highly recommended to consult official sources or be assisted by a professional for a first import.

Guide for Expats: Getting a Driver’s License in Romania

Process for Obtaining a Driver’s License for Expats in Romania

General Conditions and Required Documents:

Residence or Studies in Romania: you must prove your residence (at least 185 days/year) or justify studies on site for more than 6 months.

Required File:

• Proof of residence/domicile
• Valid ID
• School certificate (for students)
• Original license if applying for an exchange
• Notarized declaration attesting to the authenticity of the foreign license, in case of conversion

Required Document	For Obtaining	For Exchange
Proof of domicile/residence	Yes	Yes
ID	Yes	Yes
Institution study certificate (if student)	If applicable	No
Original license	No	Yes
Notarized declaration	No	Yes*

*In case of loss/theft, an official certificate is required.

Main Steps:

• Enrollment in an accredited driving school.
• Theoretical and practical training.
• Taking the exams:
  • Theoretical (code)
  • Practical (driving)
• Issuance of the license by the competent local authority.

Language Requirements:

The exam can be taken in a recognized international foreign language, upon prior request.

Estimated Costs:

The cost varies by school but is generally between €500 and €1,000, including training, administrative fees, and exam fees. Professional categories often involve a higher cost due to the longer duration of training.

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Differences Between Professional and Non-Professional Licenses

Criterion	Non-Professional License	Professional License
Categories	B mainly	C, D, E…
Medical Requirement	Standard	Enhanced medical exam
Training Duration	Shorter	Longer
Minimum Age	Generally from 18	Varies by category

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Temporary Use of Foreign License & Conversion

EU/EEA/convention license temporarily recognized, no immediate steps required; conversion possible if residence >185 days.

Non-EU nationals must obtain an international license or convert their title if their country has not signed the appropriate conventions.

To convert a foreign license:

1. Submit file with supporting documents to the competent local service.
2. Provide the original title + declaration attesting to its validity (notarized).
3. Wait for the issuance of the equivalent Romanian document after administrative processing.

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Practical Tips for Success:

Theoretical Exams

• Practice with official Romanian materials available in several international languages.
• Familiarize yourself with the local code: strict pedestrian priority, specific speed limits outside built-up areas…

Practical Exams

Choose an accredited school with experience with expats/non-residents to get advice tailored to cultural/local differences on the road.

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Useful Resources:

Indicative list of recommended services:

Accredited schools in all major cities: inquire at local consulates or French-speaking associations, which often keep updated lists.

Additional services offered to non-residents:

• Multilingual preparatory sessions
• Translation assistance for compiling administrative files
• Mock exam simulations

⚠️ It is essential for every expat to verify the exact list of required documents with the local prefecture before starting any procedure, as some requirements may change annually.